WoodmenLife: changing lives and communities

Most people have heard of WoodmenLife, but do you know what it means to be a member of an organization with more than 125 years of experience in changing lives and communities? Financial Representative, Theresa Williams and Market Representative, John Langford took a few moments out of their day to explain why Woodmen Life was formed and the many member benefits available.

According to Langford, WoodmenLife is a “nonprofit and fraternal organization” that was formed out of a desire “to make life insurance affordable.” The many investments to assist members in planning for the future should not be overlooked, including securities, mutual funds, 401Ks, IRAs and 529 plans.

However, considering WoodmenLife only for insurance and investments is overlooking the many membership privileges and community contributions. “The company is founded around God and country” Langford explained. “On our first day of work, and at the beginning of every meeting, we begin with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag” added Williams. However, the company’s patriotism does not stop with the pledge. According to Williams, “WoodmenLife is the second largest provider of American flags. The flags are provided at no charge to churches, schools, community centers, nonprofits, police and fire departments.” What’s even more impressive is the company provides the flags in a formal presentation. In addition, flag poles and stands are free for churches and once a year on the anniversary of 9/11, the company provides a flag pole and ceremony to a community. Two years ago the ceremony was in Malone and last year it was held at the Bascom Community Center. WoodmenLife also offer member families of a first responder who has fallen in the line of duty $25,000. According to Langford, first responders can be support staff, volunteers, correction officers, fire fighters and police officers. What a great way to honor our country and local heroes!

WoodmenLife cares about member families and children. When a member family’s child is left orphaned by the death of both parents, the guardian assigned to care of the child will receive $1000 per month per child until age 25 as long as the child is attending college, plus full life insurance benefits. One of the hardest things a parent could possibly experience is the loss of an infant. Newborns of member families are insurable for $10,000 from age 48 hours to six months. This covers premature infants and babies born with diseases.

The company is also interested in making a difference in the communities around the country. Every year the company has Community Days where members can attend and invite up to four guests. Last year the local membership enjoyed a day at Shipwreck Island and Wild Adventures, while the company provided discounted tickets, free lunches and free drinks during their day out. Members are also entitled to national discounts, and life perks from 30,000 business partner-purchase programs. The local organization gave $10,000 in gift cards in denominations of $100 each to Hurricane Michael victoms. Langford added that there are about 3000 members in the local chapter and every month community requests are considered.

Finally, WoodmenLife honors those who make a difference in their communities, assists members in times of natural disasters and provides scholarships for member families. The nostalgic company even plants granite stumps in cemeteries at the grave sites of members. “It makes me proud to be a member and part of something that has been around for 129 years, has $11 billion in assets, and places importance on God and country” added Langford.

Visit WoodmenLife at 2915 Penn Avenue (https://maps.app.goo.gl/DEZLs) between the hours of 8 am until 4 pm (times vary), or call (850) 526-1868 and make an appointment so the representatives can visit you at your home. Visit them of Facebook at https://facebook.com/johnlangfordwodmenlife/. What a great business to have in Marianna! Visit the City of Marianna’s website at http://www.mariannafl.city/335/New-Businesses-and-Other-Community-News to learn more about businesses in Marianna.